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How To Clean A Fitted Hat

6 min read

A man wearing a black fitted hat and a hoodie against a purple sky.

A fitted hat should be clean when you wear it. This is the guide if you find one dirty and need to learn how to care for it appropriately. It’s always a good idea to make sure that your fitted hat and other clothes look fresh while simultaneously extending their lifespan. You may always love to wear hats, or they’re part of your business’s work attire.

The goal of this guide is to show you step-by-step how to clean a fitted hat. Blankstyle knows that when it comes to taking care of your clothes in the best way possible, they can certainly go a long way. Here’s a look at the guide and everything you need to know about ensuring your fitted hat will always be clean.

Before We Go Into How To Clean a Fitted Hat we should cover protecting it.

Many hats and especially darker color fitted hats are easily faded or bleached by the sun and this is exasperated by perspiration containing hair product or sunscreen. Fading and staining due to sun exposure will not be removable so to ensure your able to clean your hat you should first ensure you protect it against sun damage by using a protectant spray like the one you can find here. This spray is essentially a sunscreen for your hat and will keep the suns rays from fading the material

Why Should You Clean Your Fitted Hat?

As mentioned, cleaning a fitted hat or even a snapback cap can maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan. At the same time, it’s also important to clean your fitted hat as sweat stains, dirt, and oils from your skin will build up on the fabric. As a result, it can cause discoloration and even collect unpleasant odors.

A man wearing a white fitted hat adjusts the brim with both hands.

That’s why regular cleaning will be paramount when preventing such issues. You want your hat to look as good as new each time you wear it. For businesses and resellers, you want to ensure that the hats are clean and well-maintained to make them more appealing to customers. When that happens, increasing sales will follow. Besides, who would want to purchase a hat that looks unused only some of the time?

How to Clean a Fitted Hat: The Materials You Will Need

Before cleaning your fitted hat, you must gather some items to make the process easier. These include the following:

  • Mild detergent or hat cleaner
  • A soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush
  • A clean cloth or sponge
  • Cold water
  • A clean towel
  • A hat form or small ball for drying purposes

Now that you have gathered all these items, it’s time to move on to the next section. Let’s show you how to clean a fitted hat.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Fitted Hat

Pre-cleaning Preparation

The first thing you need to do is examine the hat. Look for any specific stains or areas that may need extra attention during the cleaning process. By identifying these spots as early as possible, you can target them more effectively as you clean the hat itself. It should also be noted that before you apply any cleaning solution, you want to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the hat.

This test ensures that the colors don’t bleed when they come into contact with the cleaning solution. Dampen the spot with some water and mild detergent, then blot it out with a cloth. If the color is transferred to the fabric, do not wash the hat, as it can further damage it.

Choose a Cleaning Method

We’ll look at three different cleaning methods for your fitted hat or even baseball caps. This includes hand washing, spot cleaning, and, if necessary, machine washing. Let’s break down each technique step-by-step.

Hand Washing

  1. Fill a basin with cold water – Add cold water to a basin or bowl, and add a small amount of mild detergent or dish soap.
  2. Submerge the hat – Submerge it in water and gently swish it around. This will ensure that the dirt is loosened, especially when trapped in some places of the hat itself.
  3. Scrub gently – Using a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush, clean any stubborn spots, including the sweatbands and the inner lining of the hat.
  4. Rinse thoroughly – Ensure all detergent is removed by rinsing the hat under cold water. Be sure to check the hat thoroughly for any missed spots. Now is the time to measure the hat and its fit. 

Spot Cleaning

This cleaning method is typically used for minor stains or areas needing a partial wash. Nonetheless, it could be an excellent, effective alternative for cleaning a fitted hat or favorite baseball hats. Here’s what you need to do for this method in particular:

  1. Apply cleaner to a cloth or sponge – Use a mixture of warm water and mild detergent or dish soap.
  2. Blot the stain – Dab the affected area gently and do not vigorously scrub. Scrubbing will increase the likelihood of fabric damage.
  3. Wipe with a clean cloth – Using a separate cloth, dampen it to remove any soapy residue that may be left behind.

Washing Machine (if necessary)

The washing machine method should be done as a last resort. While we don’t recommend this, remember that some fitted hats can withstand it. It should also be noted that you check the care tag before cleaning. Let’s take a look at the instructions:

  1. Use a hat form or pillowcase – This will protect the hat’s shape while machine-washing. Make sure you put the hat in either of these before you put it in the washer.
  2. Set it to a gentle cycle – Adjust it to a gentle cycle and double-check that the cold water setting is on. Apply a small amount of mild detergent.
  3. Avoid high-speed spins – Check your washer for any settings to ensure high-spin speeds can be avoided. Distortion may occur if your hat is spinning too fast in the washer. Go with a low or medium spin setting, but no higher.

Drying and Maintenance Tips

A red fitted hat with a textured fabric design and a curved brim against a white background.

Drying is one of the most important parts of cleaning your fitted hat. Let’s take a look at some maintenance and drying tips:

  • Avoid direct sunlight and heat – The fabric can shrink or fade if your hat is in direct sunlight or heat.
  • Use a hat form or small ball – Place one of these inside the hat to ensure the shape is retained during drying and does not stretch. 
  • Air dry only – Never put a fitted hat in the dryer. The high heat can damage the hat’s structure.
  • Store your hat properly – For proper storage, keep it in a cool, dry place and ensure it is not where direct sunlight can access it.
  • Regular cleaning – Consider cleaning your fitted hat regularly, depending on how much you use it. If you wear it regularly, you are advised to clean it every few weeks to ensure it remains in good condition. It’ll look great even if you wear it with a customized t-shirt from Blankstyle.
  • Use a hat brush – This can be used to remove dust and dirt. It can also make cleaning much easier the next time the job needs to be done.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to clean a fitted hat, you can confidently ensure it will remain in excellent condition for a long time. Here at Blankstyle, we offer fitted hats and so much more regarding apparel. Whether for your style, bulk ordering for your employees, or your resale business, we’ve got what you need for your apparel needs. If you’d like to see what’s in our collection, please check out our catalog and see what’s in store today.

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